Japanese loses phone to minor pickpockets

CEBU, Philippines - A Japanese national was victimized by minor pickpockets in Gen. Maxilom Avenue, Cebu City last Tuesday.

Initial investigation showed Hamao Hikaru, 21, was walking with his brother when three unidentified female minors ages 10 to 12 years old tried to offer them massage and distracted them. After they refused and the minors left, they went straight to their hotel room. It was when they discovered that the victim’s iPhone 6 cellphone worth P 50,000 was already missing.

“Pagkaugma pa ni-report ang biktima, so magbuhat pa gyud ta og follow up niini.  Naa pay further investigations nga pagabuhaton  kung kinsa ning mga suspek,” said Police Officer 2 Elbert Juaneza of the Cebu  City Police Office Tourist Police Unit.

Police Officer 3 Clisston Manugora of the Cebu City Police Office Station 2 said tourists are advised to be extra watchful over their belongings as theft incidents were rampant in the area as early as two years ago.

“Dapat di magpasaya-saya sa mga butang,” he said. — Maria Yula M. Pasaol (FREEMAN)